AF Form 972: Emergency Leave Travel Request & Authorization – If you’re an active-duty Airman or Guardian facing a family emergency, AF Form 972 (Request and Authorization for Emergency Leave Travel) is the official Department of the Air Force form used to request funded emergency leave travel. This form authorizes transportation at government expense when you qualify for emergency leave due to serious illness, imminent death, or death of an immediate family member.
The form works alongside DAF Form 988 (Leave Request/Authorization) and helps ensure you receive proper travel funding per the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). It is especially important for members traveling from overseas (OCONUS) to the continental United States (CONUS) or vice versa, including travel involving Alaska, Hawaii, or Guam.
What Is AF Form 972 Used For?
AF Form 972 serves as a special orders document for emergency leave travel. It authorizes funded transportation when:
- You receive approval for emergency leave (chargeable leave granted for personal or family emergencies involving immediate family).
- Your unit commander or delegated authority (such as the First Sergeant for enlisted members) approves the travel funding.
- You need government-funded travel to your Home of Record (HOR) or the emergency location.
Key policy reference: DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program (updated February 26, 2026), states that emergency leave may be approved in initial periods of up to 30 days, with extensions up to another 30 days. Commanders should not deny emergency leave solely due to lack of funds for travel.
Immediate family members typically include your spouse and the member’s or spouse’s parents (including stepparents and in loco parentis relationships that command can certify), children, brothers, or sisters. Check the latest DAFI 36-3003 for the precise definition.
Download the official AF Form 972 here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_fm/form/af972/af972.pdf
Always use the most current version from the official Air Force e-Publishing site.
Who Needs AF Form 972?
- OCONUS-assigned members traveling to CONUS (or CONUS to OCONUS) for emergency leave often require this form for unit-funded travel.
- Members needing funded emergency travel when commercial transportation costs exceed standard entitlements.
- Situations involving death, imminent death, or life-threatening illness of an immediate family member.
- Cases where you combine emergency leave with government-procured or reimbursed travel.
Note: Emergency leave is chargeable against your leave balance. For certain medical situations (such as stillbirth or miscarriage), convalescent leave may be recommended instead or in addition.
How to Request Emergency Leave and Complete AF Form 972?
- Notify your chain of command immediately — Contact your supervisor, First Sergeant, or commander. For deployed members, the TDY commander or PERSCO Team Chief may approve after coordination with your home unit.
- Submit supporting documentation — This often includes verification from the American Red Cross (ARC) or a medical provider confirming the emergency. ARC can also assist with communication and financial aid through the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS).
- Complete AF Form 972 — Follow the block-by-block instructions printed on the form itself. Key sections typically cover:
- Member’s personal information (name, rank, SSN, duty location).
- Details of the emergency and family member involved.
- Travel itinerary (from permanent duty station to the emergency location or HOR).
- Requested travel dates and mode of transportation.
- Certification and signatures from the member, commander, and transportation authorities.
Tip: Some units or PERSCO sections assist with filling out the form. Refer to any unit-specific Military Leave Program guides for examples.
- Pair with DAF Form 988 — Use the standard Leave Request/Authorization form to request the actual leave days. Check “Emergency” in the type of leave block.
- Obtain approvals and signatures — Unit commanders (or delegated first sergeants for enlisted) approve initial emergency leave up to 30 days. Higher-level approval (e.g., AFPC) may be required in specific cases.
- Coordinate travel — Once approved, the form authorizes your unit or transportation office to arrange or fund the travel. For OCONUS-to-CONUS moves, the assigned unit typically funds the travel per JTR rules.
Funding and Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) Support
AF Form 972 is frequently required when applying for AFAS Emergency Travel Assistance (processed via the American Red Cross). You may need to provide:
- A copy of your approved AF Form 972.
- Airfare itinerary showing costs.
- Proof of the emergency.
AFAS assistance is usually an interest-free loan that may convert to a grant for death or extreme illness of immediate family members. It is not an entitlement and supplements (but does not replace) government travel funding.
Contact for AFAS emergency travel: Call the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces at 1-877-272-7337.
Important Tips for U.S. Air Force Members
- Act quickly — Family emergencies require prompt action. Have supporting documents ready (Red Cross message, medical statements, etc.).
- Leave balance considerations — If you have a negative leave balance, commanders approve only the minimum days necessary.
- Travel entitlements — Emergency travel allowances fall under JTR Chapter 4. Reimbursement may be limited to constructed airfare costs between your PDS and the emergency location.
- Space-A travel — Eligible members on emergency leave may use space-available flights where authorized.
- Dependents — Separate rules apply for dependent travel under DAFI 36-3012. Not all family members qualify for funded emergency travel.
- Keep records — Retain copies of all forms, approvals, and travel documents for finance and personnel actions.
Common Scenarios Requiring AF Form 972
- Death or imminent death of a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or equivalent in loco parentis.
- Life-threatening illness requiring your presence.
- OCONUS members returning stateside for a verified family emergency.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, always consult:
- DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program (latest version dated February 26, 2026).
- Your local Military Personnel Flight (MPF), First Sergeant, or commander.
- The official Air Force e-Publishing website for forms and instructions.
Official Download Link:
AF Form 972 PDF
If you’re currently facing an emergency, reach out to your chain of command and the American Red Cross right away. They are there to support you during difficult times.
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available Department of the Air Force publications and guidance as of 2026. Policies can change—verify all information with official sources and your unit leadership before acting.